Books matching: 1960s california setting
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'Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders' by Vincent Bugliosi is a chilling account of the Manson Family's heinous crimes and the subsequent trial that shook America in the late 1960s. Through detailed narration and a riveting writing style, Bugliosi and Gentry paint a vivid picture of the Tate-LaBianca murders, shedding light on Manson's manipulative tactics and the intricacies of the American legal system. The book delves into the psyche of Charles Manson and his followers, exploring the complexities of their actions and the impact on their victims and society as a whole.
Bugliosi's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to provide a factual yet engaging narrative make this book a standout in the true crime genre. Readers are drawn into the disturbing world of the Manson Family, from the gruesome crimes to the courtroom drama, experiencing a mix of fear, fascination, and disbelief. The authors' comprehensive research and compelling storytelling offer a deep dive into one of the most infamous criminal cases in history, leaving a lasting impression on those who dare to uncover the dark truths within its pages.
It was hot that night, but not as hot as the night before, when the temperature hadn’t dropped below 92 degrees. The three-day heat wave had begun to break a couple of hours before, about 10 P.M. on F...- #2
Save:'The Crying of Lot 49' by Thomas Pynchon is a short yet complex novel that delves into the world of conspiracy theories and underground societies. The story follows Oedipa, who becomes entangled in a mysterious web of secrets and subversive postal systems after being named the executor of her ex-husband's will. The writing style is described as dense and intricate, with eccentric characters and a plot that keeps the reader guessing until the end, leaving them feeling both intrigued and confused.
The book is praised for its fast-paced and witty narrative, offering a unique blend of humor, satire, and mystery within its concise 160 pages. Readers find the novel to be a good introduction to Pynchon's oeuvre, showcasing his ability to create a labyrinthine and addictive story that captures the essence of 1960s America. Despite its short length, 'The Crying of Lot 49' is commended for its ability to engage readers with its unconventional storytelling and thought-provoking themes.
One summer afternoon Mrs Oedipa Maas came home from a Tupper-ware party whose hostess had put perhaps too much kirsch in the fondue to find that she, Oedipa, had been named executor, or she supposed e... - #3
Save:'Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties' by authors Dan Piepenbring and Tom O'Neill delves into the infamous Charles Manson case, redefining the narrative surrounding the Manson phenomenon since 1969. O'Neill's Herculean efforts uncover the dark forces at play during the swinging sixties, shedding light on Manson's connections with Hollywood elites and the CIA's covert operations. explores the possibility of Manson being mind controlled or manipulated, drawing parallels between his 'psychedelic brainwashing' techniques and CIA's MK Ultra experiments.
My life took a sharp left-hand turn on March 21, 1999, the day after my fortieth birthday—the day all this started. I was in bed with a hangover, as I’d been after countless birthdays before, and I fe... - #4
Save:'The Egypt Game' by Zilpha Keatley Snyder is a children's book about April, a girl who befriends Melanie and together they create a game based on ancient Egypt. They immerse themselves in the imaginative world of Egypt, complete with rituals, costumes, and elaborate stories. As they involve more kids in their game, they face challenges such as a local tragedy and a mysterious man attacking children in the neighborhood. The book explores themes of friendship, imagination, and the fine line between reality and make-believe, all set against a backdrop of ancient Egyptian culture. The writing style is engaging, capturing the excitement and suspense of the children's adventures while also delving into deeper themes like cultural exploration and the power of imagination.
Nobody knew for sure what the A-Z meant. Perhaps it referred to the fact that all sorts of strange things—everything from A to Z—were sold in the store. Or perhaps it had something to do with the owne... - #5
Save:'All the Little Live Things' by Wallace Stegner is a powerful and emotional story set in the late 1960s, focusing on the retired couple, Joseph and Ruth Allston. The narrative is told from Joseph's perspective as he reflects on a series of events that lead up to a somber event. The story unfolds as Joe encounters a young woman named Marian Caitlin, who brings a new perspective on life, nature, and acceptance. Alongside Marian, there is a disruptive character named Peck, whose presence triggers a clash of generations and ideologies, leading to a gripping tension that builds throughout the book.
Stegner's writing style in 'All the Little Live Things' is characterized by clever descriptions of human interactions, vivid depictions of nature, and deep exploration of complex emotions. The author weaves a tale of love, loss, acceptance, and the struggle to come to terms with the past, all set against the backdrop of the challenging terrain of Northern California and the cultural clashes of the late 1960s.
OUR SIAMESE CAT, called Catarrh for the congested rumble of his purr, has a habit of bringing us little gifts, which he composes on the door mat with an imagination that transcends his homely material... - #6
Save:"The Family" by Ed Sanders is a detailed account of the Manson Family, providing insights into their lives, crimes, and interactions with various outlaw groups. Sanders, who had firsthand experience with the Family, offers a unique perspective on the events leading up to the Tate and LaBianca murders. The writing style of the book is described as absorbing and entertaining, with a plethora of researched and verified material presented in a jocular manner, making it a fascinating read for those interested in true crime and the Manson case.
- #7
Save:In Lisa Goldstein's wonderful contemporary fantasy The Uncertain Places, protagonist Will Taylor looks back on the events that occurred after his college roommate Ben introduced him to Livvy Feierabend in 1971. Will is smitten with Livvy, Ben is smitten with Livvy's sister Maddie. The consequences of decisions made in such places are forever. There's good fortune, to be sure, but it comes at a price, one that Will doesn't want Livvy to pay. The Feierabend sisters' world is vague in all the secret ways magic and boundary areas are vague, and that makes them all the more plausible and delightful. Will and Ben slowly discover that stories they always believed were just stories might be more than that.
IT WAS BEN AVERY who introduced me to Livvy, Livvy and her haunted family. This was in 1971, when Ben and I were sophomores in college. A lifetime ago, another world, but it seems like I can still rem... - #8
Save:'Fadeout' by Joseph Hansen follows the story of Dave Brandstetter, an insurance investigator dealing with the loss of his long-time partner. Set in Southern California, the novel presents a mystery where Brandstetter must uncover the truth behind a local celebrity's disappearance to validate a life insurance claim. Through tight, expressive prose, the author unravels buried secrets, relationships, and prejudices within the small town, all while depicting Brandstetter's own journey of grief and investigation. The writing style effectively sets up a bleak atmosphere, intertwining the detective's personal struggles with the mystery he is trying to solve.
Fog shrouded the canyon, a box canyon above a California ranch town called Pima. It rained. Not hard but steady and gray and dismal. Shaggy pines loomed through the mist like threats. Sycamores made w... - #9Mansonby:
Save:'Manson' by Jeff Guinn delves into the life and crimes of Charles Manson, a notorious murderer and cult leader. The narrative explores Manson's manipulative and psychopathic tendencies, detailing his upbringing, his ability to attract followers, and his involvement in the gruesome murders, including those of Sharon Tate and her friends. Guinn's writing style provides a comprehensive look at Manson's musical aspirations, his impact on the counterculture of the 60s, and his chilling ability to control and influence those around him.
Guinn's biography of Charles Manson offers a detailed and engaging account of the infamous criminal's life, from his troubled childhood to his eventual incarceration. navigates through Manson's complex personality, his sociopathic behavior, and his lasting notoriety in American history. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Guinn paints a vivid picture of Manson's rise to power and the shocking crimes committed by him and his followers.
Nancy Ingraham was born and raised in the Kentucky backwoods, and her faith was unwaveringly fundamentalist. She took the Bible literally. Every word in it was true, and every baleful creature describ... - #10
Save:The Graduate by Charles Webb follows the story of Benjamin Braddock, a recent college graduate who returns home feeling lost and directionless. He gets involved in an affair with Mrs. Robinson, the wife of his father's business partner, which leads to a series of events involving Mrs. Robinson's daughter, Elaine. The book is written in a dialogue-heavy style with minimal description, focusing on the interactions and relationships between the characters. The plot highlights themes of disillusionment, societal expectations, and the struggles of young adults in the 1960s.
Benjamin Braddock graduated from a small Eastern college on a day in June. Then he flew home. The following evening a party was given for him by his parents. By eight o’clock most of the guests had ar...
